My RSS Feedhttp://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/index.htmlHot News!enen2019-09-07T14:03:18+01:00hourly12000-01-01T12:00+00:00Sun, 8 Sep 2019 11:40:20 +0100Apawlogies from FreyjaFreyja's tails2019-09-07T14:03:18+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/4ad453b0514af57150a45f91a9edf74f-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/4ad453b0514af57150a45f91a9edf74f-20.html#unique-entry-id-20I cannot believe that it is June since my last blog was written, tardis like, time has moved from high summer, to the beginnings of autumn here at Fisher HQ.

The easiest way to travel through time and update you, is to condense all the happenings that have occurred since June.

The pigeons (now a gang of three) continue to make fun of me in the garden, swooping down just close enough to avoid contact and then sitting on the fence in defiance.

A pair of squirrels have made dawn raids on next doors hazel tree, taking all the nuts and throwing the shells on to our pond patio.

My Master had a cunning plan with our hazel nut trees down the field this year, he picked them early and ripened them off in the conservatory ! Master 1 Squirrels 0

June saw us take a last minute caravan break to Longnor in Derbyshire. It was lovely doing some great walks in the countryside and chilling out in the caravan later.Wildlife seems intent on following me around, as each night around dusk the most enormous rabbits use to come on to one of the nearby caravan pitches for a grass supper. My owners thought this was hilarious and named it bunny TV, with me, nose glued to the window watching. This site also had a boule I had to learn not to chase the boules.

July was the annual Patchings Festival and I spent a very relaxing few days at my second home being thoroughly spoilt.

The end of July we once again hitched up the caravan and headed for Greetham, this was a lovely break away and I tried my very first doggy ice cream ….. delicious

August arrived and we hitched up again and took the caravan to North Piddle in Worcestershire. This was a lovely small campsite, pitch black at night, so you could see the stars.With the wildlife theme quite prevalent for this blog, I saw my first muntjac and quite a few squirrels.The purpose of this August visit was for my Master to take part in the Great Broadway Paint Off. As you can see from the photo below the weather was good and many artists set up easels around the village of Broadway.

The photos also show that the caravan break was an excellent chance to learn the art of backgammon !

I also got the chance to catch up for a walk with my Schnauzer friend Yoshi.

The vegetable garden has done well again this year, sadly the sweetcorn is now all finished, but on a happier note there are still loads of carrots. We have had a good crop of fruit and you can see that has been put to good use as jam

I think we have caught up and I promise not to leave it as long before the next instalment of Freyjas Tails is published.

]]>Keep the home fires burning ....Freyja's tails2019-06-08T14:59:25+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/ae5f27495930cc46fd62daa714ea437e-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/ae5f27495930cc46fd62daa714ea437e-19.html#unique-entry-id-19Apologies for not blogging in May, its been really busy here at Fisher HQ and my assistant editor for my blog has been occupied with other jobs !

The vegetable garden is coming along nicely, both at the front garden potager, designed in the Piet Mondrian style (well it had to have an art theme) and the plot down our field.Our conservatory became a large greenhouse for a few months, as the Master was waiting for the weather to warm up so all his plants, nurtured from seed could be planted out.The heavy rain today should help the vegetables grow, especially looking forward to the sweetcorn crop in a few months time and lots of carrots have been sown too, so I am a lucky pup.

We have had a couple of incidents down the field where the mischievous lambs have managed to get through the fence twice and pulled up the rhubarb and trampled the carrot seedlings !!They tend to get into little gangs and see how much mischief they can get up to, it sometimes involves trying to get through to the adjoining cricket field.

The pigeon saga continues, they now sit on the fence and have the cheek to do low passes across the lawn…just out of reach.The Fishers have been very lucky this year in the garden, the new bird box built my Master last year has successfully had a brood of Great Tits. A pair of wrens are eyeing up another box on the fence and the house martins have once again returned to nest at the front and back of our house.

It is once again the build up and preparation for the annual Patchings Art, Craft and Design Festival, I am hoping for excellent sales of the Masters Oil Pastel book, especially as I feature on the Patchings T-shirts and a whole chapter in the book.

Now to explain the title of this months blog, to regular readers you will know that I am a girl who really appreciates the home comforts and extra specially the LOG BURNER.A few weeks ago, we spent a few days down the field doing some chainsaw work to some rotten branches of a huge willow, that grows on the bank of the river running through the field.It was all going well until a huge piece rolled into the river, now that was not going to be taken off to float away.Quickly a plan was formulated involving a tow rope and the car, it was pulled up the bank and our firewood safe and sound.

I will sign off now, it's raining cats and dogs again and my warm, snuggly extra large blanket is calling me for forty winks.Below are a few photos of the garden and field, spot my extra cute begging pose for a biscuit !

See you next month,Freyja x

]]>Wood Pigeons return...Freyja's tails2019-04-17T10:02:18+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/cf46ebdf33116df71c71d6c23bb333bd-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/cf46ebdf33116df71c71d6c23bb333bd-18.html#unique-entry-id-18It is that time of the year again, the wood pigeons have returned to haunt me in the garden…. At least with the new pond layout and patio I have not fallen into the pond… yet !! My favourite toy, a dragon named George did fall in yesterday, he is currently drying off in the greenhouse.It has been super busy again at Fisher HQ, lots of jobs have been started down the field, fence building, digging and planting veggies. The hard work is exhausting, I have my own bed to watch the humans at work.

The Master has just returned from a four day painting holiday for Big Sky Art based near Burnham Market, North Norfolk. My five star accommodation at the parents house was just as good, ginger nuts on command, Stephen taking me for walks and a beautiful log fire burning all day. What more could a girl ask for?

Listening to the humans discussing the art holiday did make me a bit jealous, apparently my Mistress was seen with the resident Jack Russell named Mars on her knee !!! we will have to have words.Here is the Freyja feedback following the recent trip;

Luxurious 5* accommodation at the White House for 4 nights.Full use to all areas of the White House.Honesty bar.Superb selection at breakfast, I hear the Danish pastries were excellent.Pre dinner canapes and two course dinner each night.Big, spacious barn studio for exclusive during the holiday.Close to both village and coastal locations to paint and sketch En Plein Air, lots of painting subjects in walking distance of the White House with farm land, stables and old buildings.Free superfast WiFi

It sounds a super base for an art holiday and the Master is already booked for April and October next year, maybe I should go next time and meet Mars, or is the lure being totally spoilt at the parents house too much, hmmmm, decisions, decisions x

Hope you all have a super Easter, looks like the weather is improving.Here are some photos from the Big Sky Art Holiday and a photo from this morning.. spot the terrier and the pigeon.

Love Freyja x

]]>Happy hedge laying !Freyja's tails2019-03-01T14:58:50+00:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/d047160de5ffd3c106aadc98a4d0633d-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/d047160de5ffd3c106aadc98a4d0633d-17.html#unique-entry-id-17It has been nonstop here at Fisher HQ and I cannot believe I sit here pawing through the latest doggie blog and the calendar is reading Friday 1st March.

January saw us in the Lake District for a 4 day break walking and collecting reference photos for painting and sketching. The weather was dreadful on the first day with driving rain and wind, it was awful and it was a such a relief to get back to the hotel and the log fire to warm up and dry off. The next few days were glorious, as you can see from the photo below taken at Elterwater looking back to the Langdale Pikes.

My master has been kept super busy recently;

1. Writing articles for the Leisure Painter magazine2. Busy planting lots of vegetable seeds ready for the new growing season ( I hope there are LOTS of carrots)3. Dismantling and moving our small greenhouse to a new location in the back garden.4. Laying a section of hedge at our field just outside the village and this forms the main news of this months blog.5. Clearing a section in the field ready for next years poly tunnel and fencing it to keep the sheep out.

We have owned the field for quite a few years now, I had the honour of taking over from the legendary Purdey the Parson Jack Russell. There are many tales regarding Purdey and most of them include spending many, many happy hours digging in the black, sticky, smelly mud on the riverbank.However I am totally different in that respect, mud is just not my forte, I would much sooner snuggle down and take time observing the humans at work.

The hedge alongside the roadside of the field has been neglected for many years and Tim has laid a couple of sections in previous years. There was a gap in the art calendar, so just over a week ago we all spent a few days tackling the mammoth job, me as chief foreman and doggy alert for the kettle boiling for a cuppa in the shed.My mistress was in charge of dragging all the brash created into the field and piling it up ready for a big bonfire. They both worked extremely hard and villagers have commented on walking by, what a good job has been done.

The art demonstration and workshop season has begun which meant the computer was free today for me to write to you all.There are some super workshops and holidays coming up, see the Tutoring in the UK page

I have posted some photos of the hedge laying, looking brilliant, very proud dog, I have clever owners xxx

See you next month,Freyja xx

]]>Here's to a Happy New Year 2019Freyja's tails2018-12-28T09:42:08+00:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/d1dc888b0757860334f47b8f0c30686c-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/d1dc888b0757860334f47b8f0c30686c-16.html#unique-entry-id-16I hope you have all had a good Christmas, not eaten too much and have enjoyed catching up with family and friends.It has been busy in the Fisher household, with different sets of family visiting over the Christmas holiday.There have been some mouth watering smells coming from the kitchen and I have been practising the best big doggy eyes hoping to be chief taste tester !

Christmas Day was excellent, three more cuddly toys to run around with and a doggy selection box from Stephen, one of my favourite humans xxBoxing Day saw the grandson and family arrive with Poppy the Sprocker, we had a smashing time tearing around the fields playing ball. Poppy loves water and had a great time diving into the river, I preferred to watch from the riverbank, wild water swimming in December is not my idea of fun.

The Master has spent the holiday catching up on reading his new books and today is busy down the field chopping wood to keep the log burner supplied and me cosy and warm.

Next year is starting to look good, there is talk of a trip to the Lake District, so I will be able to walk around in my new fleece jacket.The caravan site brochures have also been studied, so here's to more adventures in 2019 for me to write about.

Wishing all my readers a Happy New Year 2019 and hope all your dreams and wishes come true.Photos see me snuggling with 2 new toys and asking for more wood on the log burner !

See you next year,Freyja xx

]]>Squirrels !!Freyja's tails2018-11-03T12:18:20+00:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/efb0d60f4a57451ac58dce6d6203bdaf-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/efb0d60f4a57451ac58dce6d6203bdaf-15.html#unique-entry-id-15It has been another interesting past month here at Fisher HQ, the Master has been busy with demonstrations and workshops, as well as fetching the winter firewood home. Regular readers will know that I LOVE the log burner and like nothing better than snuggling up next to the heat.The humans always comment that with firewood you get warm 3 times, Chopping, Stacking and Burning, I will settle just for the last option.

There was a birthday last month and it was combined with a demo in Chipping Campden, followed by a stay in a cottage in the Forest Of Dean.This was a lovely treat, as I have never explored this area and peeping at the cottage information it has a LOGBURNER, fantastic news.We arrived at the cottage, unpacked and went for a walk around the village of Staunton, the weather was glorious for the end of October and I did not need my coat all holiday.

The next day was my Mistresses birthday and after cards and presents in the sunny conservatory, we set off for a days walking through the forest to Symonds Yat. It was beautiful and tranquil walking through the forest, unfortunately I was on my lead the whole time and missed the fun of chasing all the squirrels. We also heard the wild boar during the day, but did not get the chance to spot any, the closest we got was wild boar sausages on the menu of the local pub.

On arrival at Symonds Yat after a coffee and cake, we decided to walk up to Symonds Yat Rock, its a glorious view down to the valley and the River Wye.Later on a lovely birthday dinner at the pub in Staunton (only two doors from the cottage) was called for, it was doggie friendly and also had a log burner so full marks all round.

Day 2 saw another walk, this time to Kymin Hill where there is a naval temple dedicated to the Admirals of the Fleet and wonderful views down to Monmouth.The last day we kept the nautical theme going and visited Lydney Harbour, the Master loves old abandoned boats and spent time photographing and sketching.

All too soon it was time to come home and as we headed back to the Midlands, the weather decided to get wet and miserable.

The other piece of exciting news is that the Oil Pastel books have arrived and don`t forget, if you would like one of the first 50 personally signed and numbered books, with FREE Oil Pastel DVD just email and we can post your copy.The embarrassing photo this month shows how exciting it was to receive the books….. begging for sales?

See you next month,Freyja x

]]>Mirror, Mirror on the wall ....Freyja's tails2018-10-13T09:38:47+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/ca2f52809edabffc46bac22415c95dde-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/ca2f52809edabffc46bac22415c95dde-14.html#unique-entry-id-14Hello and welcome to the October Doggy Blog,

It has been busy once again at the Fishers household, very varied, with a family wedding and the Master looking very dapper as Father of the Groom.

On the garden front, Project Pond is now complete with the installation of a garden mirror.Now, to a Parson Jack Russell (with a bit of Beagle) a mirror is a very strange concept. To me it seems that another canine intruder has appeared in the garden and constant searching fails to find it !!The humans seem to find it quite amusing, but I don’t agree.

A few weeks ago the Master took to the skies in a glider, as his birthday treat from the children and partners.I stayed at home, but was treated to lunch at our local pub The Bell Inn afterwards.Listening to the conversation, it seems the Master was launched via a winch line into the skies for a couple of flights, rather him than me !!

The middle of September saw us taking our new caravan for its maiden voyage to a lovely site, not far from home with nice walks and a very doggy friendly pub. All seems well with the new caravan, the sofa is comfortable for viewing the passers by and the panoramic front window is a doggy delight. It also has some smashing blown air heating, as I have heard talk of a November trip, it will definitely be needed then.

Due to the hot summer the owners have had a very good crop of chillies and the Master has this year grown the especially hot variety Naga.The task of converting them to this years supply of chilli jam fell upon the Mistress, bearing in mind she does not like hot spices, this was quite a challenge ! Armed with a pair of safety glasses, rubber gloves and all windows open, she made the firey concoction and it is all bottled up. Now Mr Tim Fisher has always maintained a love of hot spicy food and even this batch of chilli jam can only eaten by him in tiny amounts.Terriers are allegedly renowned for being curious, so I decided to investigate the science of chilli heat.1. Scoville scale measures the concentration of Capsaicin, noted as SHU`s2. Sweet Bell Pepper 100 SHU`s3. Jalapeno 8000 SHU`s4. Naga 13821185. Police Grade Pepper Spray 5300000Conclusion ~ if you are ever at our house and get offered cheese and biscuits…. BEWARE

Finally for this blog….BIG drum roll… the new Oil Pastel books have arrived at the publishers and our orders will be here next week.Don’t forget the first 50 copies we sell are numbered and signed, with a complimentary FREE DVD.If you would like copy please get in touch, there is a very good chapter on painting a very good looking Parson Jack Russell (with a bit of Beagle) No prizes for guessing who that may be and I am still trying to figure out if I will be allowed to paw print the first 50 copies too.

All the best till next time, I am off to see if my “twin” mirror image is still lurking in the garden.

I leave you with a few images from the last few weeks.

Freyja x

]]>Garden makeover Freyja's tails2018-09-11T13:40:20+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/2db88fbd4c2b864608c81a2ed9b0cf68-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/2db88fbd4c2b864608c81a2ed9b0cf68-13.html#unique-entry-id-13I am just recovering from getting soaked walking with my neighbour Olive ( Choc Labrador ) it`s a bit of a shock to the system getting used to more inclement weather and being bundled up for a bath after coming home. After a lovely snooze under my rather large fleece blanket, which I have learnt to roll and twist into a nice warm parcel, now feel ready to show willing and write this months offering.It's been really busy in the Fisher household, the owners have taken a break from the world of art and turned into garden landscapers and I must say have made a really nice job.The pond area was badly in need of a revamp, two attempts at wooden decking proving unsuccessful as its a shady area and just gets wet and rotten.

The humans spent some time deliberating and decided to remove the old pond ( there since 1994 ) replace it and design a new patio area. Readers may remember from my previous posts that due to the pesky pigeons I have ended up falling in a few times ! Well, they have departed now and in their place is a very cheeky squirrel that keeps coming to steal the neighbours hazel nuts. He just nips along our adjoining fence, totally ignoring me and then disappearing with his feast.

Back to the garden, it's been a very hot summer and I did feel sorry for all the hard work digging, moving rubble, brick building and movement of tonnes of sand, ballast and the new patio. It was a real struggle lying in the shade watching it all happen.There are a selection of photos showing how the work progressed and its nice now to potter outside to a very tidy garden Alan Titchmarsh would be proud of !

Art started again at the beginning of September with a trip to Ledbury for an art demonstration, the Master is busy today tutoring a workshop, so I thought it would show willing by writing my blog.

The advance copy of the new Oil Pastel book has arrived from Search Press and it looks AMAZING…. so proud of my Master. If you would like to be one of the first 50 to receive a signed copy of the book and a FREE Oil Pastel DVD email and we can reserve a copy. Just thinking I need to sign a pawprint in the book too, as I feature in the portrait section of the publication.. need to work on that.

See you next month,Freyja xx

]]>Feeling sorry for myself ...Freyja's tails2018-07-30T15:54:34+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/55d4fd770d1603193b8f5a0f65f1b67b-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/55d4fd770d1603193b8f5a0f65f1b67b-12.html#unique-entry-id-12July has been another record breaking month weather wise, my owners have very wisely been getting up early to take me for a walk before the sunshine gets too hot.The Patchings Festival went very well mid July, I sensibly stayed with my owners parents and spent a happy few days being spoilt with the occasional ginger nut !

The school holidays are also now upon us and the grandson has been staying, so I have a super playmate to have adventures and cuddles with and paddles in the river.

My Master took a few days off following the Patchings Festival, he has mended his log splitter and made a beautiful new wooden pastel box.I am most pleased about the log splitter, as already thinking ahead to the winter months and lying by the log burner toasting my paws.

Readers may be wondering as you read my blog as to this months title…well let me begin.Firstly, I must congratulate myself for writing this blog today after the consequences of the last 24 hours.

It began yesterday afternoon, when my owners noticed that my face was starting to swell, it felt a bit weird so I snuggled on the sofa for a nap.At bedtime my face was really swollen and parts of my body too, my Mistress called our super vet on call number and Giles answered. He suggested it may be a reaction to a bite and to use an ice pack during the night and call back if any worse.I have the most amazing Mistress, she stayed up all night with me holding an ice pack of frozen peas to my swollen face and making sure there was plenty to drink.Morning arrived and I was dispatched to Melton Vets, Charlotte examined me and after two injections i went back home, pleased to say it`s starting to respond.

Heres a photo of what I should look like and one from last night…not a pretty sight and certainly not like my beautiful portrait from the Masters forthcoming Oil Pastel Book. What a trouper I am.. feel rubbish today and can still find the motivation to promote my owner/artist/author !!

Well I am signing off till next time, Charlotte said the injections could make me sleepy (thats my excuse, as there is a warm spot available on the conservatory sofa)

Freyja x

]]>Long Hot JuneFreyja's tails2018-07-01T12:37:03+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/b822586ddf2dbf31311b95d7a0e8c9de-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/b822586ddf2dbf31311b95d7a0e8c9de-11.html#unique-entry-id-11Well its been a scorcher hasn't it ? certainly not the weather for dogs, or my owners for that matter. Last weekends hot weather saw them deciding to re landscape the pond area of the garden, the Master digging trenches, mixing concrete and disc cutting brick walls !!The new pond has arrived, hopefully I wont fall into that one once it is installed. The pigeon saga is still ongoing, they seem to delight landing close by and then taking off just as I manage to get near. The mistress has been recalling her childhood days watching Dastardley & Muttley and the theme song "Stop the pigeon"

The Patchings Festival preparations have stepped up this week, the Master spending a whole day "refreshing " his pastels, sounds like hard work to me. It seems like it will be a fantastic 25th Anniversary Festival this year, lots to see and do for all the family and dog friendly too.The Mistress has designed the promotional T-shirts they will be wearing to Patchings and I feature on the back…fame at last. At least I will be at there in some form, as due to my behaviour last year I'm not allowed to visit this year.

The new Oil Pastel book has changed its release date and now will be available from the end of October, I have to say again how excited I am to be featured in the new book.As they say Terriers are quick to learn, so I though that you lovely readers would like to learn some printing terms…Editor ~ a person who assists the author with producing the book and layout, in my Masters case for the Oil Pastel book it was Beth, at times a little confusing as the Masters daughter is also Beth !Proof Reading ~ time the Master spent reading through the book layout checking spelling, colours and queries from BethBlads ~ a promotional leaflet with the book front cover, price, publication date and snippets from the book, I am featured on the third page of the blad..more fame.ISBN ~ International Standard Book Number, a unique number for a book, for your information the Masters new book is 9781782215509

For a bit of fun for this months blog, I pondered as a new supermodel of the canine world for featuring in the Masters new book, what doggie supermodel names could I dream of ?This is the list that came to and apologies to the real life models x If you think of anymore please email in, it would be fun to compare names.

Here are some photos from last month, sorry about the demise of the duck toy, it only lasted 10 minutes !

See you next time,Freyja xx

]]>Caravan lifeFreyja's tails2018-05-10T11:14:46+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/ff3c74f8457518433a5a63c0d5e4fd55-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/ff3c74f8457518433a5a63c0d5e4fd55-10.html#unique-entry-id-10It has been a lovely month so far and I was treated to a long Bank Holiday break in the caravan. Its great just like a big dog kennel on wheels, there is nothing better than sitting at the front window watching the world go by. We had beautiful weather and managed two big walks on the Friday and Saturday before the sun was too hot to walk in and it was more sensible to sit in the shade.On Sunday morning we got up early and had a wander around Stamford, as my Master wanted to do some sketching and there was also an art exhibition that was nice to wander around.

The Bank Holiday Monday forecast was hot and sunny, so again an early start was needed, our destination was only in the next village to an Open Day at "Rocks by Rail" It is a railway museum, workshop, cafe and railway track dedicated to the ironstone trains that operated from the quarry on the site many years ago. It is well worth a day out and if you are reading this months blog Mr David Wright, it was fab !We had a ride on the Rutlander steam train and sampled delicious bacon rolls and cake in the cafe.

My Master was busy over the holiday writing his latest article for the Leisure Painter magazine.. such dedication I must tell his Editor Ingrid, you can see him hard at work in the caravan awning on the photo below.

Talking of Editors the Master has been very busy recently with his Search Press Editor Beth, finalising the last parts of the forthcoming oil pastel book. You may have read in previous blogs how excited I am to see this book when its released in December.The very latest exciting news is that the book is also going to be published as a Chinese edition… I wonder how you say Freyja in Chinese !!

Well; I must sign off now, its time for a snooze, as I had a very energetic walk this morning with my new neighbour Olive, a chocolate labrador puppy.

See you next month when all the news will be of the preparations for the Patchings Art, Craft and Design Festival held from July 12 to 15, see the Patching page for more details.Enjoy the photos below of our holiday.

Freyja x

]]>An English Summer ??Freyja's tails2018-04-24T12:28:33+01:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/3ac74fee34bd172cf2ebd8d438367404-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/3ac74fee34bd172cf2ebd8d438367404-9.html#unique-entry-id-9It has been a funny old month, the weather lurching from cold to boiling and then back again to cold and rainy. Today I overheard my Master asking where his woolly hat was, the Mistress had put it away in anticipation of the Summer arriving !The family caravan has just had its annual servicing, so paws crossed we will be off on an adventure soon. I love positioning myself in a sunny spot by the front window watching the world go by once we are all pitched up. There are usually lots of dogs to check out and loads of exciting walks to explore the countryside.

The Oil Pastel book has now gone to "lock down" thats a book publishing term meaning the books going to final print, looking forward to December when its on general release. As I have mentioned a few times there is much excitement for me as I am the model in the painting an animal chapter.When the book is out I will showcase my "Pawtrait" as it`s a secret until the book is printed.

The Fisher household has once again gone into homegrown vegetable mode, the conservatory is a temporary greenhouse and seedings are appearing everywhere. I really hope theres lots of carrots, my owners cannot believe I have the ability to distinguish a carrot being peeled and whoosh… I'm there waiting !Our front garden is our vegetable plot, all nicely designed artistically in a Piet Mondrian style, as you would expect from having an artist/gardener owner.The back garden is due for a revamp around the pond area, it will be nice to sit in a sunny spot and watch all the humans hard work taking place.

There was a slight mishap involving the pond a couple of days ago, theres a large bay tree at the back and a pair of wood pigeons have nested in there. Well, to cut a long story short…. I always like to race outside when they fly in… unfortunately I dashed outside, looking up and ran across the middle of the pond !!I can assure you that Parson Jack Russell Terriers cannot walk on water, I made my way to my Mistress dripping wet and feeling stupid. The pigeons are still laughing at me every time I visit the garden.

The Master has just returned from tutoring a weekend sketching workshop at The Old House Studio, Torside, Derbyshire, he really enjoyed it and is looking forward to a two day acrylic workshop there on 22 & 23 September.I kept my Mistress company at home over the weekend, she was very busy on the office computer doing the end of year accounts. Its good up in the office, there is a chair positioned nicely by the window, so I can either snooze or use it as a vantage point to keep a canine eye on the street.The only problem is the local cats all know that I cannot get out and they parade past, tails in the air, much to my disgust.

The Master is now really busy out and about on the road tutoring workshops and doing art demonstrations, I keep checking the diary hoping for a village venue so I can go along for the ride.Recently they have all been held in venues where doggies are not allowed.

Right that is all for now, its turned cool here at the computer, my fleece blanket is calling and heres hoping the log burner gets lit soon… well it is nearly May.Here is a photo of me displaying the assortment of toys, some rather the worse for wear… a bit like the toys that Paddy the spaniel of "Max and Paddy out in the Lake District on Facebook" destroys. There is a recent photo of him with a very sad looking Telly Tubby !The two dogs have over 67 thousand followers, maybe I should have my own Facebook page ?

Freyja x

]]>Freyja`s TailsFreyja's tails2018-03-24T13:02:48+00:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/cee76b86b799d0923c64f64d2639b590-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/cee76b86b799d0923c64f64d2639b590-8.html#unique-entry-id-8St Patricks Day was a double cause for celebration as it was my 2nd Birthday, I was treated to a delicious breakfast with my favourite food carrot sculpted into two candles for me.The pictures below show me celebrating and some puppy pictures too with my sister.It would be lovely to see my 3 brothers and sister again, wonder what we all look like now ?

It has been another busy month for my artist owner, he's been to a lot of art demonstrations and workshops lately and recently just back from a 2 day workshop at the Watershed Studio in Essex.It's a favourite destination for him, as Allison provides wonderful lunches and makes you all very welcome. Luckily all the snow has disappeared before my Master had to travel down last week.

I had the good fortune to spend a couple of days with my Mistress at her parents house, it is great there, I get thoroughly spoilt and there is always a roaring open fire … Doggie Heaven !!

The new Oil Pastel book is taking shape, looking forward to helping with the marketing when its released, as I have probably mentioned in past posts theres an animal portrait section and I was the lucky canine model.There is a good chance that the Mistress will design some new T-shirts to wear at the Patchings Festival in July to promote the book, wonder if there is one my size?Unfortunately there may not be a guest appearance by Freyja at the Festival this year… I somewhat blotted my copybook by guarding the Masters stand instead of welcoming all the canine visitors… whoops. Heard the Mistress say at the time "Freyja won't be coming next year"

Well its time to end this latest blog, there is the sound of the log burner being lit, just time to say goodbye and see you next month.

Freyja x

]]>Chinese Year of the Dog 2018Freyja's tails2018-02-16T17:51:45+00:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/3da0b7c67bd22ceedaf6142373319e1f-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/3da0b7c67bd22ceedaf6142373319e1f-7.html#unique-entry-id-7Hello and welcome to the latest doggy blog,

Well I am not sure where to start this month, it’s been hectic here in the Fisher household.I chose today to update my blog as it is the celebration of Chinese New Year today and the Year of the DOG….. do we get presents like at Christmas? Or do I get treated extra special for a whole year?But mustn't complain, as already this year there have been several breaks away and I was included on two of them.The master has been sorting the last of his Editors queries for the new oil pastel book, shouldn’t be long now till it’s published. The mistress will let you all know when its available to purchase and put all the details on the website. I think she's getting nearly as good as me with this website updating.

At the end of January we had a walking break in the Lake District, so my master could capture images and sketches of this amazing countryside.It was my first time to this area of the UK and we did some really long walks and encountered a lot of different weather. Not too keen on hail though, caught me off guard, it’s no fun when the owners are wrapped up in coats and they forget mine !!A compensation for all the Lake District walks is that all the local pubs are dog friendly and most have lovely log fires. I am particularly fond of an open fire.We encountered lots of signs outside pubs and cafes saying " Muddy boots and dogs welcome" it was much appreciated by us all, well done Lake District.There seems to be a doggy phenomenon called Max and Paddy, a pair of spaniels from the Lake District, they were even on The One Show a couple of weeks ago !! I have noticed that my mistress even follows them on Facebook !!

My next trip was a two night sleepover at the mistresses parents, it’s great there... ginger nut biscuits, a roaring open fire and loads of snuggles... doggy heaven.

On a last note I have been interested in the origin of my name, owners were inspired by watching all the series of The Vikings (not the one with Kirk Douglas) hence my name Freyja is Viking.Pawing through the internet heres what I found out…. Really like the idea of driving a cart pulled by two cats..mmm.. wonder if next doors cats would oblige me?

"Freyja ("lady sovereign/supreme") is one of the major goddesses of Norse Mythology. She is second only to Frigg and the mightiest of the Vanir. Freyja is the goddess of love, war, death and seidr. Freyja is in many aspects the feminine counterpart of Odin. Her brother is Freyr.She is the primal völva and the one that taught Odin the art of seidr, and is also the leader of the Valkyries. Half of the dead taken by the valkyries belong to her and she receives the dead noble women and shield maidens. She has many ways of travelling. Sometimes she rides a cart driven by her two cats or rides her great boar. She also takes the shape of a falcon, a shape she may lend to any one. Freyja is the most beautiful of the goddesses and desired by both gods, giants and dwarfs.Lagertha invokes her when she tries to cleanse Ragnar's wound and when training her shield maidens. When Porunn disappears, Aslaug tells her to turn to Freyja for guidance."

Time to sign off now, dinner awaits, will it be Chinese inspired tonight? Heres a photo to end this blog of my time in the Lake District and some smashing open fires.

Freyja x

]]>Freyja`s TailsFreyja's tails2018-01-15T14:30:50+00:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/88a4ebd5dc2a424787dcb83f2c603d6a-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/88a4ebd5dc2a424787dcb83f2c603d6a-6.html#unique-entry-id-6I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year, the Fisher household hosted quite a few family members over the holiday and I spent Boxing Day with my canine Sprocker pal Poppy. We had a good run across the fields in the morning which blew the cobwebs away, however there is no way I will ever be able to keep up with Poppy !!

January 4th saw the owners pack up rucksacks and suitcases and alerted me to the fact there may be an adventure looming, I was correct, the mistress had planned a Birthday surprise for the master and I was lucky enough to be included.A short journey in the car saw us arrive a very cosy cottage in the village of Biggin by Hartington,Derbyshire.It is a lovely cottage owned by John and Vanessa and we stayed there a year ago, I am particularly fond of the log burner in the lounge and spent a happy week asleep in front of it.If any of you lovely readers want a preview of the cottage just visit Postcard Cottages, there is also a smashing converted barn in Brassington that Poppy stayed in with her owners.

The Masters birthday was a milestone event and the children, partners and grandchildren all surprised him on the Friday and stayed for two nights. I was pleased as Poppy came too.The morning of the birthday saw a mound of bacon butties and then the grand present opening, the Master was presented with a glider flight and I am very much hoping I will be included too !! Just need to order my Biggles goggles and then I am ready for take off…

The visitors all went home and we spent the last three days walking the glorious Derbyshire countryside.The picture below shows me enjoying the Pioneer log burner.

The world of Tim Fisher Artist has been busy over the past month, the last part of the new book has been sent to the publishers, Leisure Painter articles written and lots of long walks capturing view of the countryside.I am looking forward to seeing the new Oil Pastel book when its published later on this year as I appear in the dog Pawtrait section.

See you soon,Freyja xx

]]>Freyja`s TailsFreyja's tails2017-12-13T09:21:05+00:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/b99d9709ba1d3c3d174ff3988da020c1-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/b99d9709ba1d3c3d174ff3988da020c1-5.html#unique-entry-id-5It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the Fisher home, that log burner looks so inviting its hard for me to concentrate on the latest update…

As usual I have been causing mischief in the Fisher household, I can usually get away with it by rolling on my back and looking remorseful !During time with my owners, certain household and art materials seem to have mysteriously ended up in my paws and sadly come to a sticky end.

To celebrate Christmas I thought it would be nice to rewrite a popular carol as a tribute to all the items that have been lost.“The Twelve Day’s of Freyja’s Tails”

On the first day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meOne set of fairy lights, chewed, useless now for the Christmas tree

On the second day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meTwo Sennelier oil pastel sticks, should have been for the masters new book

On the third day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meThree pairs of Crocs, two the masters and one belonging to the mistress

On the fourth day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meFour Faber Castell Pitt Pens, the black ink went all over the carpet

On the fifth day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meFive assorted Derwent pencils, nothing sketchy about her actions here

On the sixth day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meSix erasers, no rubbing out now, they are in a thousand pieces

On the seventh day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meSeven Pedigree Dentastix, her weekly gum health allowance

On the eighth day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meEight cardboard boxes, as a puppy this was the most favourite toy

On the ninth day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meNine assorted cushions, not her fault, apparently they exploded by accident

On the tenth day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meTen cuddly dog toys, the sheep being her favourite, she’s had three

On the eleventh day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meEleven juicy carrots, she’s upgrading her night vision

On the twelfth day of Christmas my Parson Jack Russell destroyed for meTwelve logs from the log basket, her favourite activity when the humans are not at home

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, see you in 2018

Freyja xx

( some of the items in the carol may have been slightly exaggerated, authors pawrogative !! )

]]>Freyja`s TailsFreyja's tails2017-11-26T12:02:10+00:00http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/38e000fe37cb3a42c94699b22acba059-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.timfisherartist.co.uk/dog%20blog/files/38e000fe37cb3a42c94699b22acba059-4.html#unique-entry-id-4November has been very busy in the Fisher household, the house has been busy with workmen converting the house from oil to gas central heating. I am looking forward to a warm toasty house this winter.

The master has been extra busy creating oil pastel paintings for the new Oil Pastel book and doing his author duties.Last week I waved him off to drive down to Tunbridge Wells to do his 3 day photo shoot for Search Press. On his return I overheard him telling the mistress about the photographer and the high tech camera he was using. I am afraid I got into a bit of trouble as the camera was so sophisticated it kept showing my dog hairs up on my masters paintings and attached to his oil pastel sticks ! Oh well, I had to send a little bit of myself along to be included in the book.

After eavesdropping on my owners I can reveal exclusively to readers of this blog that I do appear in the book…. My master does a "Pawtrait" of me in the painting animals section, I am so thrilled and will of course be on paw to sign any books you good people out there wish to purchase.

On the home front, today sees my master doing some Sunday DIY and later on I have been promised a nice long walk.Right I must sign off for now, the log burner isn't alight yet, so I must seek out the big furry fleece blanket and burrow down for a quick forty winks.